Losing Battles

I dedicate this to the peeps on LJ who have supported me despite the fact that it's been half a year since I last updated -_-

WARNINGS: This chapter contains adult language and attempted rape. If either of those make you uncomfortable, don't read.

Losing Battles
Staying Away From Easy

"I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing."

~ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Battle 21:

*Shino*

Shino didn’t understand what was going on, but he knew it couldn’t be good. Judging by the number of times Hinata wrung the hem of her jacket in her hands, the way Kiba hovered over her like a mother over its pups and the general tension in the room, something was happening and that something was big.

He waited patiently for Shizune to finish her report, not commenting on the fact that they were standing in the Hokage’s office with no mission reports, no new assignments and listening to a delegation that they had nothing to do with. Despite all this, his hands rested comfortably in his pockets, his body at ease despite the tension around him. He found no merit in giving in to a mood of hysteria, benefiting more by observing the various expressions in the room. The delegation from Suna was generally excited, save Naruto who perhaps was more quiet than usual. His teammates were antsy beside him, and were he not so alarmed for their sakes he would have been upset that they chose not to inform him of what was ahead.

Only the Hokage seemed unaffected. She noted the heavy atmosphere, or so he guessed by the lack of jokes that usually ensued whenever Uzumaki found his way into her office. She knew more then she was letting on, but her concentration on Shizune’s report was founded. She accepted the stack of papers handed to her by Shizune, leafing through them briefly before placing them atop one of the small negative spaces amidst scrolls, reports and various parchments still waiting to be signed.

“Give me the highlights,” she said, leaning back into her chair. Her arms rested on either side of her, face calm considering how much was riding on the results. Even Shino knew about the precarious treaty with Rain Country. Every shinobi was holding his breath praying every day that Rain didn’t renege their agreement and launch them into war. He wondered if the pretense was for their sake or hers—a false calm denying that any moment something might snap.

Shizune smiled a little uncertainly. “Let’s see,” she hesitated. “The demonstrations we provided turned out to be too basic.”

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and her chin lifted a little higher. That was certainly outside calculations. “It was designed for the level of the attendees. How is that too basic?” Shino noted the hint of annoyance. His eyes shifted to Shizune who seemed a little less cheerful than before.

“The Mizukage wasn’t completely honest with his attendance list. He sent us doctors, important ones, like, the head of their medical research.”

“He did WHAT!?” Tsunade slammed both palms against the desk, rising to her feet.

“We didn’t find out until the conference was nearly over,” Shizune spoke quickly. “We discovered the deception when Naruto-kun botched the lab and argued with one of the Mizukage’s delegates over it.”

“Hey!” Naruto protested. “I was trying my best!” Naruto looked at the floor grumpily. Shizune pressed her palms together holding them up and bowing in apology.

“This is serious though,” Tsunade sank back into her chair. “He purposefully deceived us. Was he trying to steal information? How did the Kazekage respond? I’ll have to write to him directly about this,” this last comment was more for her sake. She glanced down at the file on her desk.

“The Kazekage took it pretty hard,” Shizune continued. Her eyes dropped to the floor while her hands clasped in front of her. “They spent nearly a day arguing over the deception. The Kazekage grilled them on their motives, citing the treaty violation as potential cause for their removal.” Shino narrowed his eyes. The Kazekage threatened them? “They refused to budge, claiming they knew nothing of the agreement and arrived on orders without prior knowledge of the treaty agreement.”

“That’s convenient,” Tsunade grumbled.

“I thought he was going to throw in the towel. I’ve never seen the Kazekage so outraged in my life,” Shizune gave a small shudder. “And the Mizukage’s men refused to break…”

“So what saved it? Or was it not saved?” A cold edge seeped into the Hokage’s voice. Shino noted never to make the Hokage angry. He returned to Shizune’s story with just as much concern knowing her next words could easily change the state of the shinobi world.
“Please don’t tell me I have a useless treaty on my hands.”

Shizune gave a little smile. “I think the Mizukage will be much more open to negotiation next time. Or at least his men will be. Choosing medicine was a good move. With the lack of human traffic over the past decade, they’re terribly behind.”

“I don’t get it,” Tsunade prompted impatiently, “is that a yes or no?” Sakura giggled from the corner. Shino’s eyes darted to the quick movement of her hand, the covered smile still reflected in her eyes.

“Naruto changed their minds,” Sakura said proudly. “He stopped everyone from arguing and made them realize that the only ones being hurt by these politics were the citizens—that this treaty meant helping one another, like a new family of sorts. Right, Naruto?” she winked. Shino was impressed. The former class clown had always been good at surprising, but saving an international treaty was definitely on a new level.

Tsunade looked pleased. “Good work, Uzumaki. The elders will be glad to hear I finally gambled on the right player.” Naruto was blushing, scratching his cheek and smiling like he wasn’t embarrassed. Shino smirked behind his collar. “I’ll take a closer look at this later and write the Kazekage on how to proceed from here. If what you say is true then the Mizukage has a deep mistrust of us. I think it’s best that we keep the negotiations in Suna. We can cite the previous deception as a reason for caution if they disagree.”

Shizune nodded.

“Do you have anything else to add?” she looked at all the party members quizzically. Sakura looked like she wanted to speak. “Yes, Sakura?”

“I spoke to their head researcher, Hirata-sensei during the remainder of the conference. He seemed very interested in Ino’s research on the extended medical properties of flowers. I recommend adding her to the new delegation, whenever that may be.”

“Excellent,” Tsunade commended her. “I’ll see that Ino’s name is added to the recommendation list. Anything else?” Her eyes scanned the room. When no one else spoke up, she nodded. “Sakura, Naruto, stay. The rest of the delegation team is dismissed.” The party members bowed politely and took their leave. Shino stayed where he was noting the tension in the room increase. Naruto’s earlier glow from being praised had all but diminished and even Sakura’s jovial attitude dissipated into a type of gloom.

No one broke the silence once the door was shut. He heard footsteps disappearing down the corridor and wondered what could be more serious than the potentially bust treaty discussed just moments before.

“So what’s this all about?” The other faces in the room glanced at one another, silently asking who wanted to begin. The Hokage waited impatiently, hands clasped together on the desk. Shino felt like he was back at the academy when Iruka would ask them who pulled which stunt.

“It’s about Sasuke,” Naruto took a step forward. Shino was unaccustomed to seeing the energetic man look so subdued. He wondered if this, perhaps, was the real source of the earlier tension. Sakura’s troubled expression only confirmed this.

“He’s not going on the next diplomatic mission. I cannot send a former rogue-nin.”

“I know that,” Naruto cut her off. Tsunade’s head jerked back in surprise. “I’m sorry for contesting your earlier decision. I understand the importance of these treaty negotiations and I’m honored by your nomination.”

Tsunade looked confused. “Haruno, is this really Uzumaki?” she asked. Sakura smiled and nodded. Tsunade shook her head in disbelief.

“Hey, I’m trying to be serious,” Naruto sounded upset. Tsunade waved him on to continue. “We’re worried about him,” Naruto’s eyes slid to the floor.

Tsunade-hime didn’t seem very surprised by this. “Explain,” she said, tilting her head to regard Naruto more carefully.

Naruto squirmed a little under her scrutiny. He looked at his feet, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “How do I begin to explain?” he struggled.

“How about with the beginning?” Tsunade suggested. She seemed almost amused by her subordinate’s discomfort.

“You may have heard the rumors, but I’ve had a relationship with my teammate for some time now.” Shino’s eyes darted to Hinata. He noted the pained expressions on both her and Kiba’s faces. Though he expected both of them already knew. Kiba’s nose alone could have informed her of that as soon as it started. Tsunade just nodded. She had heard, of course. All returned missing nin were watched carefully. He and Kiba had taken turns watching Uchiha on the past few missions.

“I thought it would help him adjust to living in Konoha again, to help him move on.” Shino’s ears perked up. This part was news. Rumor had it that the Uchiha was using Uzumaki. And if Neji’s account had any merit, Uchiha wasn’t to be trusted in the matter. “But I don’t think it is working. If anything, he’s growing more distant. All he ever wants to do is train, and he’s so obsessed with getting stronger than I’m worried he might…” Naruto struggled with the words.

“That he might do something extreme?” Tsunade supplied. Shino’s eyes narrowed. The Hokage took this speech calmly, patiently. As if she was waiting for him to get to a conclusion she already expected. Was their leader already aware of something they were not?

“He did run off to Orochimaru before…” Naruto admitted. “Not that it’s a real threat now with him dead and Akatsuki disbanded.”

“But you fear Sasuke may push himself to extremes if he can’t achieve his goals?”

Naruto struggled for a long while, his face contorted with pained indecision. The answer was a given, but that made it no less difficult to say. Naruto was accusing his lover of madness. The next word was essentially a condemnation—it was license to put the Uchiha under a new round of extensive psych evaluations.

“Yes,” he forced out. Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder supportively. Shino realized she had to be suffering just as much as he was. “And that’s not all,” Naruto continued. “Hinata has something she needs to say.”

Hinata? How was she involved with this? Shino watched his usually mild teammate step forward with unusual briskness and meet the Hokage’s eyes.

“Forgive me Hokage. I left out details I originally considered irrelevant to the final battle between Konoha and the Akatsuki, including Itachi Uchiha.”

“What details, Hinata?” Tsunade prompted.

Hinata’s limbs were trembling, but her face was stern, masking the complete fear evident in her body. “A female party member of team Hebi was with child the day of the fight. The pregnancy was terminated as a result of a wound inflicted by Itachi Uchiha.”

Tsunade nodded, prompting Hinata to continue. “Based on Uchiha’s response to the event, I suspected then that he fathered the baby. But I chose not to report for lack of evidence.”

“I understand,” Tsunade said. “That detail would have been nice, but it wasn’t necessary. You fulfilled your duties back then and will not be punished for the slip.” Hinata seemed to sink in on herself, partially out of relief, partially because her bravery was no longer required. “Am I to understand we have proof now that the child was his?” Tsunade asked.

Kiba stepped forward this time, putting a hand on Hinata’s shoulder to let her know she had done everything she needed. She gave a short nod and stepped back into line.

“During our last mission in the outskirts of Konoha, Uchiha was approached by the same kunoichi. I am convinced it was an absolute coincidence. She cited being in the area to visit a former team member at the sanatorium not far away.” Tsunade accepted this. “She mentioned the pregnancy and its termination and named Uchiha as the father.” Tsunade nodded, digesting this piece of information. “They don’t seem to get along anymore. I think she bares hard feelings on the matter,” Kiba added.

“This may explain some of the rumors I’ve been hearing,” Tsunade said. “I’ve had some disturbing reports on Uchiha’s behavior lately and I was hoping for a better explanation than the ones suggested thus far. Uchiha is in a delicate position.” She pulled out a blank scroll and picked up her brush. “You five may have just saved him.” Five pairs of eyes darted across the room to look at one another. I’m writing out a summons for Uchiha to receive another medical check. He is to arrive tomorrow for physical and mental evaluations. If we missed this the first time, there’s no telling what else he managed to keep from us. If he is declared unwell he will be admitted to a proper facility immediately.”

“And if not?” Sakura asked. Tsunade’s brush paused, ink dripping onto the top most corner of the page.

“He will be handed over to Ibiki for questioning.” Tsunade’s frown gave her wrinkles. “This is still unofficial and none of you will breathe a word of it outside this office,” her eyes met every single one of theirs, “but as of tomorrow Uchiha faces charges for plotted treason against Konoha.”


"All good is hard. All evil is easy. Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity is easy. Stay away from easy."

~ Scott Alexander


Battle 22:

*Tenzo/Yamato*


Tenzo listened from his position by the wall. He kept his eyes shut while his ears listened carefully to the conversation inside. Tsunade was barking out orders for the great ordeal that would take place the next morning. Despite her concern Tenzo noted the edge was gone—insanity was easier to address than treason.

“Sakura,” paper rustled and ripped. “Take this to Hyuuga Hanabi. She should still be at the hospital.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.” Sakura sounded dutiful.

“Which of you would like to take Uchiha’s summons to him tonight? He needs to be ready by tomorrow.”

“I’ll do it.” It was Uzumaki’s voice. “He’ll expect me tonight anyways.” Tenzo noted that he didn’t seem very excited about that.

“Very well, I’ll finish writing this up in just a minute.” Silence filled the room for a few moments, filled only by the soft hush of horse hairs brushed against parchment. “I’ll send Kakashi to join you at the hospital, Sakura after I bring him up to speed. With the exception of Naruto, the rest of you are free to go.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama,” a chorus of voices rang out. Tenzo recognized all three. Footsteps shuffled across the carpet, the floor boards squeaking a little under the slightest pressure. He counted their steps, noted the positioning and knew that all, but one, were gone. Naruto alone must have remained. Tsunade continued writing. Judging by the sounds, she was writing extensively.

“You’re such a fool sometimes, Naruto,” she admonished. “Why didn’t you come to me with this sooner?”

Tenzo wondered the same. He didn’t even spot the relationship until Sai posed a simple question in the onsen one day. To think, the human cyborg they called Sai had picked it out quicker than he did. Granted, Sai didn’t quite understand what he was seeing. Tenzo wondered why Naruto felt the need for such secrecy. If anything, it cast more suspicion on him. If he wasn’t Tsunade’s pet, he imagined the elders would have had much more to say about Uzumaki in relation to Uchiha’s suspected treason. Tenzo, like many, wondered if the decision to send him to Suna was to get him away from the spotlight.

“I thought I could help him,” Naruto answered after a long pause. “I wanted him to love Konoha again so badly. When friendship wasn’t enough to support his new life I thought maybe a lover would be different.”

“I’m sorry you had to learn the hard way,” paper was rustling. Tenzo heard the scroll being rolled up. “Take this to Sasuke,” she said. “And make sure you get some sleep tonight. It’s been a rough week.”

“Ah,” Naruto agreed. His footsteps approached the desk, paused briefly and then retreated again.

“Thanks, baa-san,” Naruto greeted casually from the door. “For listening.”

The door clicked shut. Tenzo held his position, waiting for commands.

“Tenzo,” Tsunade-hime called him. “Show yourself.”

Tenzo materialized from the wooden bookcase alongside an office wall. He took a few steps forward, bowing politely. “What can I do for you, Tsunade-hime?”

“Kakashi is posted outside the Uchiha residence. He’s on watch duty tonight. Take this to him,” she handed out a different scroll, “and fill in for him. He is to meet with Sakura and Hyuuga Hanabi immediately.” Tenzo accepted the scroll and fitted it into his vest. “And one more thing.” Tsunade paused. “I’m uneasy about Naruto meeting with Sasuke tonight. I want you to watch him carefully. Make sure he doesn’t stay with him all night. That’s the last thing I need before both of them are called into question. If necessary, give him this,” she handed him one more parchment. “I want it delivered by tomorrow morning at the latest.” Tenzo held the scroll with two hands, noting the different color and the Hokage seal stamped over it. He nodded in perfect understanding and placed this one in his pocket.

“Anything else?”

Tsunade’s expression turned disgruntled. She contemplated her next words, eyes playing out a scenario he couldn’t follow. “Yes, there is one more thing.” She redirected her attention to him. “Knowing Uzumaki he’s going to use tonight to make one last attempt to help Sasuke. Watch them carefully. I want to know every detail of their conversation, every change in their expression; any information I can get before I hand him over to the doctors. I doubt Uchiha is going to crack anymore than he did the first time. I shudder to think of how Ibiki will force him.”

“I understand. I’ll report to you in the morning.”

“Thank you,” she said. “You are dismissed.” Tenzo took his leave. He exited through the window, using the rooftops to fly across the city. At this hour it was relatively easy to go unseen. The few people out this late were too drunk to notice a lone shinobi above the city roofs and he steered clear of the guard towers. He slowed when he approached the abandoned Uchiha compound. Personally, this place gave him the creeps. If there was ever a place that haunted him, the Uchiha compound was at the top of the list.

He entered the rickety entrance gates marking the territory. With only one survivor, most of the compound had gone to waste, the old buildings falling apart under the weather conditions and old age. Even in the shadows, Tenzo noted the dilapidated state of the wood and the crooked houses still managing to stand upright. On the flipside, stealth was much less a factor here. Only the sole Uchiha survivor lived here and no one else would touch the place. If Naruto went to his residence as promised, then his target would not be roaming around and would be inside as expected. And in the offhand chance Tenzo was discovered he would cite his search for Naruto as an excuse. He was better than covered.

Tenzo noted the one house with lights on inside. A red and white uchiha banner hung outside. The material was still bright, the edges intact and the blue dyes not yet faded. This was definitely the place.

Tenzo felt for other bodies present in the immediate vicinity. He felt Uchiha and Uzumaki immediately, neither shinobi having cause to mask their presence, but his senior didn’t even register. He tried to think of his former leader’s habits, trying to recall where he liked to stake things out and recalled he was a fan of staying away from eye level; camping out underground or high above was always his style. Tenzo searched the area for any signs of trees or telephone poles. When none proved a likely culprit, he decided to start basic. He hopped onto a roof.

Scanning the area, he noted nothing in this darkness. The sun set hours ago and while the dark shielded him, it also made searching difficult. Still, he thought he noted a little movement on the rooftop in the next row of houses. When a flash of green moved in and out of sight from behind the wall of a second story segment, Tenzo followed it.

He made sure his approach was no surprise, not wanting to startle his comrade or cause alarm. He made his approach slowly, waving even when the sharingan wielder chanced to look up from his favorite book.

“Tenzo,” he said softly. “What brings you here?” Tenzo noted that his hitaite was on straight, his left eye closed at the moment.

Tenzo undid the clasp on his vest and pulled out the first scroll he received. “Orders from Tsunade-hime,” he said, handing the scroll over. Hatake put down his book, taking the scroll and unfurling it immediately. His one normal eye scanned the contents quickly before rolling it up again carefully. He closed his book and tucked it under his arm.

“Then I leave it to you,” he smiled beneath his mask. “Yoroshiku, ne?” He dashed off the rooftop in a flash, disappearing as silently as befitted a former ANBU leader. Tenzo marveled at his technique. He still had his skills.

Tenzo focused again on the task at hand, peeking around the corner Hatake used as cover. From this locale he could peer through a large screen door that opened into the back of the house. With the humidity of rainy season setting in, many residents had already taken to leaving open their windows. Tenzo imagined it would stay open all night. A skilled shinobi like him had no cause for concern over security.

A small veranda was just outside, closed off by a fence. From this distance, someone like Kakashi could watch easily, but for Tenzo, it was too far away. He would have to find a way to sneak in a little bit closer. Forming the seals for a shadow clone, a second Tenzo emerged from his body. He met the clone’s eyes knowingly, conveying his orders mentally and nodding. The clone nodded, melting into the wooden frame of the wall. Tenzo watched the alley below, waiting for the clone to reappear and make his way into Uchiha’s home. How easily he snuck in would be their first indication of Uchiha’s activities. Only a paranoid man, one with something to hide, increased security through external means. He watched the clone sneak across the way and melt into the wooden fence. When no alarms went off, no tags tripped, Tenzo felt a little relief.

He sank down onto the hard ceramic tiles and made himself cozy. His part of the bargain was done. The next part was up to his clone. All he could do in the meantime is observe, listen, and wait.

The shadow clone chose to stay fixed in the roof, resting amongst the wooden beams and opening eyes carefully into the warmly lit room down below. He surveyed the room quickly, noting the scroll sitting on the kotatsu in the middle of the table, the seal broken, the lack of clutter in Uchiha’s neat, cleanly swept tatami room and the two tea cups sweating on coasters.

The target lounged on a floor cushion, knee propping up his elbow why the other curled on the floor. He didn’t look like a man about to be accused of treason, nor did he seem concerned by the medical appointment scheduled ahead of time.

Uzumaki sat across from him, sitting on his legs, hands in his lap in formal seiza. Their postures suggested a leader and his subordinate more than two lovers on equal footing. Still, Uzumaki look troubled, his face scrunched up with something he wasn’t quite saying.

“Stop looking at me like that,” Uchiha said coldly. “I’m not dying. The check is routine.”

Uzumaki shook his head. “It’s not the appointment,” he clarified. The furrow between his eyebrows deepened. “I need to tell you something. It’s about … us.”

Uchiha’s head tilted from one angle to another—the only sign that the subject caught his interest.

“I know we left on bad terms,” Uzumaki continued. A glance at Uchiha’s face confirmed this. “I said some rather hurtful things.” Uchiha snorted, but Tenzo got the sense that the topic made him uncomfortable. “I’m sorry about the things that I said. I was frustrated and I took it out on you. That was… uncalled for.” Blue eyes slid to the floor. Tenzo was impressed. It took a big man to admit when he was wrong.

Uchiha waved it off as if it was no matter. “You can make up for it later.”

“I’m not done,” Naruto said, eyes looking straight into Uchiha’s. The rigidity in his posture and the seriousness of his face suggested this was not the worst of it. Naruto always was an open book. Uchiha sat up a little straighter. “I’ve been thinking,” he started gently, “very carefully,” he paused again, “and I don’t think it’s healthy for either of us to continue this relationship.”

Uchiha’s expression didn’t change. If anything his face lost whatever expression it may have held. Uzumaki watched him carefully, looking for signs, waiting for interruptions. He shifted uncomfortably in the lengthening silence. “It seems like all we did before I left was argue. Sure it started out like the usual banter, the playful kind that was more out of fun than actual spite, but you have to admit, the last few were more hurtful than usual and I fear that it’s not fair to either of us.”

“Fair?” Uchiha seemed amused by this choice of words.

“Yes, fair,” Naruto insisted. “Deny it if you will, but this relationship is hurting both of us.”

“A relationship is just a polite word people use to justify exploiting one another. Are you done exploiting or are you disappointed you can’t do it enough?” A sidelong glance hinted at something Tenzo guessed was understood by Uzumaki.

“That’s not true and you know it! I’ve never tried to use you.” Uzumaki clenched his teeth in frustration. He shut his eyes trying to reign in his temper, fists clenching in his lap. “That’s not why I’m doing this.”

“Oh?” Uchiha feigned amusement. His right leg slid to the floor, hands supporting his weight as he leaned back a little. The new position made his shirt stretch, the wide gap between the two sides of the untied gi splitting open to reveal more of his bare chest. “Are you saying you don’t want me anymore?” Blue eyes noted the new view, drinking in the sight despite the frustrated twist of his lips.

“Stop it, this is serious,” Naruto said. Uchiha tilted his head to the side revealing the long curve of his pale, muscular neck. It was a simple seduction technique, but usually an effective one.

“Is that a yes?” he said with a half lidded gaze. Naruto looked more pained than the comment warranted. His hand slapped against the wooden table.

“Dammit Sasuke! I slept with Gaara!” Every trace of amusement was wiped away in an instant. Naruto’s hands retreated to his lap, squeezing the fabric of his slacks, while his eyes fixed on nothing on the floor. “The last night there was a party and we both drank a few too many cups of wine. I followed him to his room and it was innocent! But then he kissed me and I let him. One thing led to another…” his voice trailed off. So much for trying to make things better, Tenzo thought.

Uchiha made no comment. He sat up and shrugged his shirt on a little better, folding his hands in his lap. “I can try to make excuses and say I was lonely, that it was a bad decision due to too much alcohol, that I regret it and that I’m sorry, but it would be simply that—excuses. The truth is that by the time it was over I wasn’t as intoxicated as when the night started out. The truth is that I could have left then and never spoken to him again. But the truth is that I didn’t leave; I decided to stay, and I didn’t regret it in the morning.” Naruto met Uchiha’s angry look. “You tell me what that means.”

“Is that your style of diplomacy? Flash a piece of ass and conduct the negotiations on the pillow? Didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Stop avoiding the subject,” Naruto growled.

“I bet the Kazekage loved taking you up that skinny ass of his. So what did he promise you in return?”

A tea glass crashed against the tatami mat, brown liquid seeping into the cracks.

“Clean that up,” Uchiha ordered.

“I will when you start listening to me,” Uzumaki countered. Both men held their positions, eyes locked like horns. Uchiha slowly relaxed. He leaned back onto his elbows again.

“You fucked the Kazekage and realized he’s easier to use than I am. And now you’re trying to get rid of me. What did I miss?”

Wham.

It was a bad time to be impressed, but Tenzo couldn’t help wanting to whistle. So that’s what the Konoha Flash must have looked like. Uchiha held his red cheek, still playing it cool. Uzumaki bunched the white material of Uchiha’s shirt in his hands, dragging the other man up. “When are you going to stop debasing yourself and everyone else around you? When are you going to realize that there are people who love you? Who wish you happiness and success? That aren’t so hell bent on hurting you as you believe?”

“They all died a long time ago.”

Naruto lowered Sasuke. Two fists loosened and let go. One fist tightened again and slammed into Uchiha’s already bruising cheek.

“Then if I’m dead, that didn’t hurt.”

Uchiha smirked, wiping away the line of blood sliding down his mouth. “You don’t love me. You just can’t admit that you can’t save me.” Naruto stepped back a little; he no longer looked as confident as he did a minute ago. “You think I didn’t notice? Neji, Gaara, and Sai may be your little pets after that bullshit you spouted at them as kids, but did you really think that would work with me?” Naruto inched back, Sasuke slowly closing in on him.

“If you loved me so much would you have jumped at the first shot you get at topping another man? Not very convincing.” Uzumaki bit back his guilt, backing himself up into a corner. Tenzo scrambled to change his position and gain a better vantage point. Uchiha was leaning over the shorter man, making it more difficult to see. “But don’t be too harsh on yourself. Just because you don’t love someone doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good fuck.” His hands began to undo the tie at his waist. “Which is why I’m willing to let it go. I’ll forget you screwed the Kazekage and we can pretend for your sake that it never happened.” He shrugged off his shirt, letting it fall to the floor. “How’s that for understanding?” His pants slid down.

“Stop it,” Naruto said. He pushed away the hands at his zipper. “I can’t pretend this is okay. I can’t continue when my heart isn’t in it. I love you too much to hurt you like this.”

“Love?” Uchiha growled. “You still insist that any of this has to do with love?” He tore open the flak jacket, the useless zipper coming apart like puzzle pieces. “You think I took you into my bed because I love you?” He shoved the torn garment over Uzumaki’s shoulders, trapping his arms to his sides. “You think I could love you after you stole everything left that meant anything to me?” he shouted.

Naruto stopped struggling for a minute. “What did I steal from you, Sasuke?”

“I can’t stand you.” Uchiha paused. He placed his palm against the wall, leaning in close enough to touch foreheads. Tenzo strained to hear his words. “The only reason I delight in fucking you so much is seeing that ass in the air begging—like the needy whore you are.”

Uchiha’s hands jumped to Uzumaki’s waistline, hurriedly undoing the clasp while Naruto struggled to shrug off his jacket and free his arms.

“Come on, Naruto, aren’t you going to show me?” He tugged down the orange pants.

“Get off of me you asshole,” Naruto spit. Sasuke slammed the back of his hand into Uzumaki’s jaw, the blow tossing his head against the wall. Tenzo concentrated, sending the message to his double to intervene now. Uzumaki, still stunned, scrambled to shrug free of his jacket, struggling against hands gripping his waist and shoving his body against Uchiha’s. “Stop this now!” Uchiha wedged a leg between the other man’s thighs. “Please, Sasuke,” panic laced his plea.

A loud knock sounded at the front door. Both men halted. They looked at each other with questioning looks. Naruto shook his head raising Uchiha’s suspicions.

“Stay here.” He released him, pulling on his pants and walking to the entryway. Tenzo knew who was at the front door. He breathed a sigh of relief.

“Sorry to intrude so late at night. Is Uzumaki here? His home was empty and I was told he might be here tonight.” Yamato said pleasantly.

While he was gone, Uzumaki pulled his pants back up, cursing when he couldn’t zip them up. He pulled out his shirt out, letting it cover the front and shrugged his flak jacket back on.

“He’s here,” Uchiha confirmed. Uzumaki left the room to join him, Tenzo following behind.

“Yamato-sempai? What are you doing here so late?” Uchiha seemed to wonder the same thing.

Yamato held out the scroll. The one Tsunade gave to him in case of extreme circumstances. “This had to be delivered immediately,” he explained. “Walk with me Uzumaki. You leave in six hours.”

Naruto didn’t even complain. He took the scroll compliantly, slipping into his shoes and giving Uchiha an uncomfortable thank you for the hospitality. Yamato bid a cheerful farewell before the door swung shut. The house fell into eerie silence.

Tenzo stayed where he was. He watched the Uchiha carefully, unflinching when a fist smashed into a vase by the door.

Moments later he noted a shift in his chakra. Another shadow clone had been created. Information filled his head just as clearly as it did his brother’s. One single command rang urgently through his brain: report to Tsunade-hime immediately.